If being addicted to sports is a drug then I'm Lindsay Lohan and Lawrence Taylor combined
I express my views in the world of sports. Mainly College Basketball, NBA, NFL, Fantasy Sports and the NFL and NBA Drafts.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

NBA 2017 FREE AGENT RANKINGS BY TIERS

This list is based on the composite of the rankings of:HoopshypeBleacher Report Sports Illustrated CBS SportsTier 1: Stars that are #1/2 options on playoff teams 1. KEVIN DURANT-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSSF #26-10/240AGE:29 in September2 year games played average: 67.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with GSMarket Value:Superstar Max Deal with 10+ years of service 35% of the cap The reigning Finals MVP and second best player on the planet isn't going anywhere but will he really take less money this summer? I'll believe it when it happens 2. STEPH CURRY-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSPG (1-4)6-3/190AGE:293 year games played average: 79.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with GSMarket Value:Superstar Max Deal with 7-9 years of service, 30% of the capArguably the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry has overcome early injuries in his career to become a two time NBA Champ and two time MVP. Curry will get the Max deal he deserves this summer.

3. CHRIS PAUL-UPDATE TRADED TO THE HOUSTON ROCKETS WILL OPT IN TO FINAL YEAR AND BECOME A FREE AGENT IN 2018PG (1-4)6-0/175AGE:323 year games played average: 72.3 Possible Destinations: Re-sign with LAC, HOU, DEN, SA (sign and trade) Market Value:Superstar Max Deal with 10+ years of service 35% of the cap

4. GORDON HAYWARD-UTAH JAZZSF (4-10)6-8/226AGE:243 year games played average: 76.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with Utah, BOS, MIA Market Value:Superstar Max Deal with 7-9 years of service, 30% of the capHayward is the most talked about free agent this summer as he is the most likely to leave of the top free agents. He and the Heat have mutual interest, while the Celtics have the Brad Stevens connection. However, Hayward can make the most money if he stays in Utah.

5. BLAKE GRIFFIN-LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS PF (1-4, when healthy)6-10/251AGE:283 year games played average: 54.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with LAC, HOU, BOS, OKC Market Value:Superstar Max Deal with 7-9 years of service, 30% of the capIt feels that Griffin;s career path has become very similar to Amar'e Stoudemire. Both were superstars with freak athletic skills before injuries derailed their careers. Similar to Amare in 2010, Blake can leave the only franchise he has ever played for and leave a future Hall of Fame point guard. If he leaves the Clippers it is clearly just to have a change of scenery. I bet Amar'e wishes he would of never left the Suns and Steve Nash in 2010.

6. KYLE LOWRY-TORONTO RAPTORS PG (5-10)6-0/205AGE:313 year games played average: 69.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with TOR, SAMarket Value:Near Max Deal, 20 million to 24 million averageWhile Lowry is not on the Curry, Westbook, CP3 or Lillard level, he is clearly in the second tier. He is the second best PG on the market, however given his age and the salary he will command, some teams may opt for a younger or cheaper starting PG. 7. PAUL MILLSAP-ATLANTA HAWKSPF (6-12)6-8/246AGE:323 year games played average: 74.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with ATL, DEN, PHX, SACMarket Value:Near Max Deal, 20 million to 24 million averageThe most underrated player in the league. He can score from almost anywhere on the floor and is a solid rebounder as well. At age 32, is he still worth a Max contract? Tier 2: High end role players that are seeking Max contracts8. OTTO PORTER-WASHINGTON WIZARDS(RESTRICTED)SF (6-12)6-8/198AGE:243 year games played average: 76.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with WAS, BRKMarket Value:Max Deal with under 6 years of service, 25% of the cap

The Wizards may not WANT to give him a Max deal but their is a good chance another team will offer a Max deal forcing them to match it of they want to keep him. 9. JRUE HOLIDAY-NEW ORLEANS PELICANSPG (11-17)6-4/205AGE:272 year games played average: 66.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with NO, DAL, CHI, MIL, SA Market Value:Third tier PG, between Reggie Jackson's 5 year/80 million and Dennis Schroder's 4 year/70 millionBetween 16 and 18 million per yearHoliday has been a top 10 PG when healthy, however he hasn't played in more than 70 games the past four years. Still only 27, he should covet a near Max deal with his playmaking ability. 10. JEFF TEAGUE-INDIANA PACERS PG (11-17)6-4/205AGE:294 year games played average: 77.75Possible Destinations: MIN, NY, SA, Re-sign with INDMarket Value:Third tier PG, between Reggie Jackson's 5 year/80 million and Dennis Schroder's 4 year/70 millionBetween 16 and 18 million per yearTeague's one year in Indy wasn't his best. Will the Pacers keep him? He is still under 30 which is an advantage he has over most of the other point guards on the market. 11. GEORGE HILL-UTAH JAZZPG (11-17)6-3/188AGE:312 year games played average: 61.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with UTAH, SA, IND, MINMarket Value:Third tier PG, between Reggie Jackson's 5 year/80 million and Dennis Schroder's 4 year/70 millionBetween 16 and 18 million per yearHill had a great year in Utah and proved to be a great fit as a veteran starter with a young Jazz core. The Jazz will likely wait to see where Hayward goes before they decide if they want to lock up Hill long term. 12. SERGE IBAKA-TORONTO RAPTORS PF (9-14)6-10/235AGE:28 in September3 year games played average: 73.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with TOR, ATL, LAC, PHL, BRKMarket Value:Good starting forward, between Tobias Harris' 4 year/64 million and Ryan Anderson's 4 year/80 millionBetween 16 and 20 million per yearA three time All-NBA Defensive player that is one of the best athletes and shot blockers in the game. His offensive game is limited but he can still average 14 a night. He will be sought out by both contenders and non contenders.13. DANILO GALLINARI-DENVER NUGGETSPF (6-10) 6-10/225AGE:29 in August3 year games played average: 58.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with DEN, BOS, ORL, ATL, NYMarket Value:Good starting forward, between Tobias Harris' 4 year/64 million and Ryan Anderson's 4 year/80 millionBetween 16 and 20 million per yearA great shooter that has had a lot of trouble staying healthy in his career. He said he wants to stay in Denver. He has been the best player there for the past few seasons. Tier 3: Past Prime future Hall of Famers and over 30 studs Some may take less to help their current franchise while others will be seeking one final big pay day 14. ANDRE IGOUDALA-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSSF/SG/High level 6th Man 6-5/215AGE:332 year games played average: 73.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with GS, MIN, SA, LAC, Utah, BRK, PHL, ORLMarket Value:Good shooting guard, somewhere between Wes Matthew's 4 year/70 million and Victor Oladipo's 4 year/85 million, between 17.5 and 21 million per yearIggy could chase more titles in Golden State, but if he wants one more big money deal before he retires he will need to go elsewhere15. JJ REDICK-LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS SG (11-18)6-4/190AGE:333 year games played average: 77.0Possible Destinations:Re-sign with LAC, PHL, BRKMarket Value:Good shooting guard, somewhere between Wes Matthew's 4 year/70 million and Victor Oladipo's 4 year/85 million, between 17.5 and 21 million per yearOne of the league's best 3 point shooters, he also has a high IQ and a team attitude. He can fit on pretty much any roster in the league. 16. PAU GASOL-SAN ANTONIO SPURSC (6-13) 7-1/250AGE:36 in July3 year games played average: 70.0Possible Destinations: Resign with SA, MIAMarket Value:2 year deal at around 15-18 million per Pau is still one of the better big men in the NBA. His skill set and veteran leadership will make him an attractive player for contenders needing a big man 17. DIRK NOWITZKI-DALLAS MAVERICKSPF (6-12)7-0/245AGE:393 year games played average: 77.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with DALMarket Value:2 year deal at around 15-18 million perThe greatest European player in NBA history may have two years left. He will restructure his contract to give the Mavs more flexibility in free agency. . 20. RUDY GAY-SACRAMENTO KINGSSF (11-16)6-8/230AGE:31 in August4 year games played average: 60.25Possible Destinations: BRK, LAC, CHI, MIA, WASMarket Value:Between 11 and 14 million per yearGay has been trapped in basketball purgatory in Sacramento the past three seasons. He can have value on a contender if he is willing to take a lesser role.24. ZACH RANDOLPH-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIESHigh level backup PF6-9/260AGE:36 in July3 year games played average: 70.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with MEM. CLV, SA, GSMarket Value:Full Mid Level ExceptionZ-Bo is still an excellent rebounder and one of the toughest players in the league. Will he take less money to compete for a title with a team like the Cavs. Spurs or Warriors? Expect him to sign a two year deal with a playoff team. Tier 4:Good role players under 3018. NERLENS NOEL-DALLAS MAVERICKS(RESTRICTED)C or PF (13-20)6-11/220AGE:233 year games played average: 64.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with DALMarket Value:Rim protector and high energy centerBetween Jonas Valinciunas's 4 year/64 million and Tristan Thompson's 5 year/82 million Between 13-16.4 million per seasonNoel is only 23 and the Mavs clearly see him in their future plans. They should match any offer that he gets this summer

19. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL POPE-DETROIT PISTONS(RESTRICTED)SG (11-18)6-5/205AGE:244 year games played average: 78.5Possible Destinations:Re-sign with DET, ATL, MEM, BRK, NY, MIL Market Value:Good shooting guard, somewhere between Wes Matthew's 4 year/70 million and Victor Oladipo's 4 year/85 million, between 17.5 and 21 million per yearHe has proved that he can be a #4 scoring option on a good team. The Pistons will need to pay a lot to keep him. 21. MASON PLUMLEE-DENVER NUGGETSC (13-20) 6-11/255AGE:273 year games played average: 81.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with DEN, ORL, ATLMarket Value:Good young role playing big man, Between Nic Vucevic's 4 year/53 million and Jonas Valinciunas's 4 year/64 millionPlumlee is an above average center that is a good all around starter

22. DION WAITERS-MIAMI HEAT SG (11-18)6-4/215AGE:254 year games played average: 68.5Possible Destinations:Re-sign with MIA, PHL, BRKMarket Value:Good shooting guard, somewhere between Wes Matthew's 4 year/70 million and Victor Oladipo's 4 year/85 million, between 17.5 and 21 million per yearWaiters really fit well in Miami before getting injured. He has stated that he would take less to remain with the Heat. 23. PATTY MILLS-SAN ANTONIO SPURSBackup PG 6-0/180AGE:29 in August3 year games played average: 76.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with SA, NY, SAC Market Value:Between 11 and 14 million per yearThe Spurs may need him a lot more than he needs them. Can he become a starter somewhere else? 25. ANDRE ROBERSON-OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER(RESTRICTED)SG/SF (21-26)6-7/210AGE:25Possible Destinations: Re-sign with OKCMarket Value:Young Defensive Wing, somewhere around Jae Crowder's 5 year/35 million and Kent Bazemore's 4 year/70 million Roberson is valued highly by the Thunder due to his strong defense and the fact that he doesn't take many shots. Expect him to stay 26. JAMYCHAL GREEN-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES(RESTRICTED)PF (21-25)6-9/227AGE:272 year games played average: 77.5Possible Destinations: Re-sign with MEMMarket Value:Between 11 and 14 million per yearGreen may proved he could handle being the starter at PF in Memphis this past season. 27. KELLY OLYNYK-BOSTON CELTICS(RESTRICTED)High level backup C/F7-0/238AGE:263 year games played average: 69.5Possible Destinations:Re-sign with BOS, DAL, MIL, HOUMarket Value:Good role playing shooting big: between Channing Frye's 4 year/32 million and Marvin Williams' 4 year/54 millionOlynyk is a true stretch five that is also a good passing big. However he is a below average rebounder and has had some injury issues

28. PATRICK PATTERSON-TORONTO RAPTORS High level backup C/F6-9/235AGE:283 year games played average: 75.0Possible Destinations:Re-sign with TOR, SAC, LAL, BOSMarket Value:Good role playing veteran big: 12.0 average Marcin Gortat and Nic Vucevic Patterson is a solid role player that can be a high level backup on any team. He may be a younger and cheaper alternative to Z-Bo or Pau. 29. TONY SNELL-MILWAUKEE BUCKS(RESRICTED)SF/SG (21-26)6-7/217AGE:253 year games played average: 80.0Possible Destinations: Re-sign with MIL Market Value:Young Defensive Wing, somewhere around Jae Crowder's 5 year/35 million and Kent Bazemore's 4 year/70 millionThe difference between Snell and Andre Roberson isn't really much. If you can get Snell for 3 million per year less that may be the smarter move. 30. TIM HARDAWAY JR.-ATLANTA HAWKS

(RESTRICTED)SG/SF High Level 6th/7th Man 6-6/205AGE:254 year games played average: 70.25Possible Destinations: Re-sign with ATL. IND, BRK, PHL, NYThe younger Hardaway had a nice breakout season in Atlanta where he averaged 14.5 ppg and had the best FG% of his young career. Tier 5:Good role players that are 30 and over

31. JAMES JOHNSON-MIAMI HEATHigh level backup CF6-8/250AGE:304 year games played average: 67.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with MIA, Market Value:Defensive Wing, somewhere around Jae Crowder's 5 year/35 million and Wilson Chandler's 4 year/46 millionJohnson is a great defender and excellent passer for a PF. He will valued highly by teams that like advanced metrics as he is a very efficient player. Similar to Waiters, he had a good first season with the Heat. 32. TAJ GIBSON-OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDERHigh level backup C/F6-9/245AGE:323 year games played average: 70.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with OKC, MIL, LAL, BOS, PHL, BRKMarket Value:Good role playing veteran big: 12.0 average Marcin Gortat and Nic Vucevic GIbson is a good role player that can fit on any playoff team. With the Thunder well over the Luxury tax, it is unlikely they will overpay to keep Taj in town.33. PJ TUCKER -TORONTO RAPTORS SF (21-25)/High level backup Wing6-6/245AGE:324 year games played average: 80.5Possible Destinations: Re-sign with TOR, SAC, LAC, NY, PHL, MIN, DENMarket Value:Defensive Wing, somewhere around Jae Crowder's 5 year/35 million and Wilson Chandler's 4 year/46 millionTucker is a tough defensive wing that is one of the most durable players in the NBA34. MANU GINOBILI-SAN ANTONIO SPURSSG/SF6-6/205AGE:40 in July4 year games played average: 66.25Possible Destinations:Re-sign with SA or RETIRE The old man still was there in crunch time when the Spurs needed him in the playoffs. Will he come back for one more year?

35. SHAUN LIVINGSTON-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSBackup PG6-7/192AGE:312 year games played average: 77.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with GS, SALivingston could be a starter on some teams, will he try to find a situation where he can start of will he continue to compete for titles with Golden State? 36. DERRICK ROSE-NEW YORK KNICKSPG (17-30)6-3/190AGE:282 year games played average: 60.3Possible Destinations: DEN, IND, LACThe 2011 league MVP has is now just a volume scorer that is guaranteed to miss 20 games per year. He can still have an impact when on the court. I doubt any team will offer more than a 3 year deal given his injury history. 37. RAJON RONDO-CHICAGO BULLSPG (17-30)6-1/186AGE:313 year games played average: 70.0Possible Destinations: Who knows it seems like there is never a good fit for him, LAC becomes interesting given his history with Doc Rivers Rondo in Chicago was a disaster. Is he willing to be a backup on a contender? He would have a lot more value as a backup. 38. DARREN COLLISON-SACRAMENTO KINGSPG (25-30)6-0/175AGE:292 year games played average: 71.0Possible Destinations:NY, CHI, MIN, IND, UTAH, MIA

Defensive minded guard with great length. He could barely hold off Ty Lawson as the starter in Sacramento last year. With the drafting of De'Aaron Fox, Collison will look to sign elsewhere.39. MILOS TEODOSIC-CSKA MOSCOWPG 6-5/210AGE:30Possible Destinations:CHI, UTAHThe best player in Europe is ready to come stateside for the right price. 40. DERON WILLIAMS-CLEVELAND CAVALIERSPG 6-3/200AGE:333 year games played average: 65.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with CLV, SA

Williams was an All Star early in his career but now is a high end backup on a contender

Tier 8:Rotational BigsMarket Value:Between the mid-level exception and Kosta Koufos' 4 years/33 million 56. NENE HILARIO-HOUSTON ROCKETS C6-11/250AGE:35 in Septmember3 year games played average: 63.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with HOU 57. DAVID WEST-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSPF 6-9/250AGE:37 in August3 year games played average: 70.6Possible Destinations: Re-sign with GS, CLV, HOU58. DEWAYNE DEDMON-SAN ANTONIO SPURSC7-0/245AGE:273 year games played average: 64.3Possible Destinations: Re-sign with SA, GS, 59. AMIR JOHNSON-BOSTON CELTICSPF/C6-9/249AGE:303 year games played average: 78.0Possible Destinations:Re-sign with BOS, TOR, CHI, HOU, BRK 60. DAVID LEE-SAN ANTONIO SPURSC/F6-9/245AGE:344 year games played average: 63.0

61. ZAZA PACHULIA-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSC (26-30) 6-11/275AGE:333 year games played average: 73.062.ARON BAYNES-DETROIT PISTONSC6-10/260AGE:303 year games played average: 75.063. JAVALE MCGEE-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORSC 7-0/270AGE:292 year games played average: 55.264. ALEX LEN-PHOENIX SUNS(RESTRICTED)C6-1/260AGE:263 year games played average: 74.665.CRISTIANO FELICIO-CHICAGO BULLS(RESTRICTED)C/PF6-9/266AGE:24